History Rewind: Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

On the 22nd of June 1897 a massive celebration took place to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. This would be the first time the term ‘Diamond Jubilee’ would be used to honour a 60th anniversary.

For 60 years Her Majesty saw the British Empire expand more than five times over. It was during her Diamond Jubilee year that approximately one quarter of the world was under British control.

The Diamond Jubilee was a spectacular celebration as troops from every nation in the empire marched in a parade in through London. A parade along six miles of London streets saw The Queen, members of the Royal Family along leaders from the empire countries travel from Buckingham Palace, by way of Mansion House, past Parliament and then across Westminster Bridge to cross once ore over the Thames for service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. The procession was watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators who lined the streets to see their Queen.

The service although was held outside as Queen Victoria was unable to climb the steps to the cathedral. Albert Edward, the future Edward VII greeted Her Majesty’s coach, The Queen remained inside her coach for the service.

The day was pronounced a bank holiday in Britain, India and Ireland. The Diamond Jubilee saw fountains constructed in Her Majesty’s honour in Manchester and the Seychelles as well as clock towers in Christchurch, New Zealand and Penang, Malaysia.